THE Public Utilities Commission has registered its strong concern with respect to the severe disruptions in the voice and data services on June 11, 2009 at approximately 11:00 hrs. The service was restored to normalcy about four hours later, the PUC said in a statement.

It noted that when the Guyana Telephone and Telegraph Company Limited (GT&T) was contacted, the company informed the Commission that the disruptions were a possible result of excavation works being carried out in neighbouring Suriname.

The telephone company noted that there had not been a disruption to the voice traffic, since this was rerouted to satellite. It was also stated that there was some amount of latency with respect to data transmissions.

“Reports however, coming into the Commission informed that there were significant disruptions to voice traffic – both local and international, and the data transmissions were completely disrupted,” the PUC contended.

The Commission said it is aware that in 2009, there were five disruptions between February 5 and June 11, and nine disruptions in 2008, between February 28 and November 25.

“The disruption caused severe interruptions to businesses in the commercial sector, possible financial losses to companies, and may have serious implications to Guyana’s national security.”

“Should there be repeated interruptions in the service then the Commission may be left with no option but to recommend to the licensing authority that other providers be issued with licences allowing for international connectivity,” the PUC advised.